Country music star dies suddenly (video)

Country music singer Daryle Singletary died on Monday, the 46-year-old singer passing away at his Lebanon home suddenly and unexpectedly in the morning hours. His cause of death is unknown.

According to Taste of Country, Singletary performed in Lafayette on Saturday night (see video below), and closed his final performance with a cover of Johnny Paycheck’s “Old Violin.” At the announcement of his death, the publication says, “the song’s final lyrics are resonating.”

From Taste of Country: The song closes That’s Why I Sing This Way, Singletary’s album of covers from 2002. He played it at the end of his set at Cowboy’s Nightclub in Lafayette, La., on Saturday night (Feb. 10), waving goodbye to the crowd after solemnly whispering:

“And just like that it hit me / That old violin and I were just alike / We’d give our all to music / And soon, we’d give our life.”

WKRN in Tennessee reports: [Singletary] entered the top 40 of the Hot Country Songs charts five times, reaching number two with “I Let Her Lie” and “Amen Kind of Love,” and number four with “Too Much Fun.”

“We’ve been very fortunate to stay on the road, year in, year out,” Singlteary told the Grand Ole Opry. “I continue to work and continue to build a fan base. There are still people out there who want to hear traditional country music. I’ve been fortunate to be able to always keep it real and not have to compromise. I can’t ask for nothin’ better, I don’t guess.”

“I believe all of it is still a dream. I have been very fortunate to do [country music] for a living. It is a dream in itself.”

Singletary is survived by his wife and four children.

Dozens of country music stars and other entertainers expressed their shock and grief on TwitterMonday, few examples follow. A video of a performance he gave just 36 hours before his tragic death and a memorial video posted by Billboard also follow.

I’m shocked and saddened to hear that Daryle Singletary has passed away. He was a true country voice and his talent will be sorely missed. Praying for Daryle’s friends and family. https://t.co/ETYofzufCC

My good friend and the greatest voice I ever heard in country music Daryl Singletary died this morning. I can’t believe it. He was a good man and father. God give his wife Holly and his 4 young kids comfort and strength. I love you Daryl. Heavens band just got their lead singer.

Rough morning for me. One of my favorite singers, Daryle Singletary, has passed away this morning unexpectedly. He’s the one who convinced me to move to Nashville. Praying hard for his family✝Love you Daryle

Daryle Singletary, was a man’s man. He was in all respects, one of the greats. A Country Music Singer’s Singer. We will miss our friend and hold close his loving family in prayer.
Until we meet on the shores of the everlasting Rest In Peace.